Fall art and craft festival this weekend

Annual event features art and music Nov. 24-25 at Francis Field

International foods, two-days of folk music by the Gamble Rogers Festival performers, a Colonial Crafts Corner featuring members of the Textile Arts Guild of St. Augustine, the popular Hyundai Kids Art Zone and the citywide Nights of Lights combine to create a memorable holiday experience and ideal start to the shopping season.

“This Festival is a St. Augustine Thanksgiving tradition,” said Diane Bradley, Festival Coordinator. “We invite folks to take a break from football and turkey to enjoy beautiful art in the beautiful outdoor setting of our historic city,” she added.

This summer, a panel of art experts selected the exhibitors from hundreds of entries. Each Festival artist will compete for prestigious awards including a $1,000 top prize to be selected by Judge Mark Parrish, a professional award-winning artist and filmmaker.

The St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival had its early beginnings in 1934 as an Art Mart held in connection with the Women’s Exchange. It was first located in the courtyard of the Old Spanish Treasury on St. George St. and later moved to the Plaza. With artists from around the U.S. participating, the event outgrew the Plaza and relocated to Francis Field adjacent to the Visitors Center Parking Garage.

An estimated 15,000 visitors attend the annual art gathering, which is produced and staged by community volunteers of the St. Augustine Art Association, a non-profit arts organization founded in 1924 to promote excellence in the arts.

With a $1 gate donation, visitors receive a prize drawing ticket for a variety of area attractions, restaurants and speciality gifts.

Festival proceeds benefit art education programs and exhibitions for the local community. All-day parking for $1 is available in the Historic Parking Garage with a PARK NOW Card. For information, call 824-2310 or go to http://www.staugustineartfestival.com/.